This photo was originally posted on the Winter Garden Theater site, but I thought I’d link it from here as well since you can clearly see the monstrosity that would replace the Rivoli Theater rising on the right side of the image.
I also didn’t notice until now that the sign for the old Hawaii Kai night club was still in existence at the time of this photo, though I’m not sure if the club itself was still open. My Mom came to the house the other day and showed me an 8x10 souvenir photo from the Hawaii Kai that she had found in her box of old scraps. The photo is from the very early ‘60’s and shows Mom, Dad, my Grandparents and my Aunt & Uncle dressed to the nines for a night out on the town. Priceless.
By the way, there definitely seems to be a problem with disappearing posts and it isn’t just Lost Memory having issues. I created a listing for the Victory Theater in Bayside, NY and a post from Warren (in fact the only post on that page) has gone missing from the site: /theaters/13793/
Damn, Lost Memory! You’re #1 by a mile! I somehow figured Warren might be runner up. I didn’t even crack the first page (top 35)… but I am at least in the top 50 (#46 as of today), so I’ve something to strive towards.
Seriously, now that I’ve seen the list, I have to give many thanks to all the people who’ve made contributions to this site with their various listings, posts and comments. Kudos in particular to all the regulars (or should I say “the usual suspects”) and NYC experts who have given me such a wonderful education in all matters historical, architectural, technical and ephemeral on a topic that is so very near and dear to my heart. All the detective work to find interesting photos and historical data as well as the anecdotal information and personal recollections have brought so many of these great theaters so vividly to life – reviving memories of my own in some instances and painting beautiful evocations of places I never had a chance to experience first hand in others. This is a fantastic little cyber-community we’ve got going on and I am very thankful to be a part of it. We should all treasure it.
Now, its just the site for the construction of yet another ugly mid-town high-rise. I’ve been into Manhattan on a number of occasions over the past few weeks and I pass this site every time I make my way back to the 59th Street Bridge. I remember driving by in years past and happily think back on my experience seeing “Animal Crackers” here back in the ‘70’s warmed by the fact that the theater was still in use – even after accepting the fact that it was twinned back in the late 1980’s. Now, I still think back on “Animal Crackers” when I drive by, but it is with a deep sense of loss and sadness. It is amazing that the City (meaning we the people as well as those we elect to oversee its administration) allows the continuation of these acts of vandalism – to paraphrase Ada Huxtable’s memorable description in the NY Times of old Penn Station’s demolition.
Warren… have you ever researched the Harem for its own page on this site? Or is it not an interesting enough topic? I’m guessing it was carved out of retail space and probably has a fairly unremarkable history. I’m still curious to learn its origins and I’m not sure I’d know where to begin looking without as much as an address.
How do you track the # of comments you have on this website? I don’t see where in my profile or anywhere else it shows how many comments I’ve posted overall. Only a list of theaters in which I’ve ever made comments. Lost… you really ought to try contacting the site to see what happened. Maybe they can fix it?
I would search the Public Library for back-issues of each local newspaper on microfilm. The central branches of the New York, Queens or Brooklyn Public Libraries should have comprehensive archives for each of these publications (the NY Times, Post, Daily News and Newsday). I believe you’d have to visit the actual building to peruse the archives, as I don’t think they’ve been made available online – although, you can start on the web to identify which branches would have the material you are seeking. This assumes you live or work in the area, MO… If not, there’s still a decent chance that your local library might carry back-isses of the NY Times in their archives. Cue Magazine (which merged into New York Magazine sometime in the ‘80’s) featured excellent city-wide movie listings, but probably wouldn’t help you much in terms of actual ads. Ditto Variety, which featured weekly grosses for most of the theaters in Manhattan (and other major markets).
Would that be “The Littlest Horse Theives,” Vincent? About the kids who steal the ponies when the owner decides to close the mine and sell them to make glue (or something like that)? Very dark for a Buena Vista release. Took place in England, didn’t it? Gosh… I haven’t thought about this movie in 30 years!
Excellent point well taken, Jim, however depressing a dose of reality it might be. The TV ads for LIU from the last couple of years contain a wonderful (albeit brief) shot taken from the floor looking straight up at a player attempting to dunk a shot in the basket against the background of that magnificent grilled ceiling. I’ll have to see if I can get in there with my camera one of these weekends. Are they still playing games there? I tried recently to get in one Saturday, but the gym was closed. The security guy told me that the team would be practicing that Monday and I might be able to get in, but of course I had to be at work.
Thanks JohnG for confirming that. That’s the one I was most confident about. Still searching here and on those other theater’s respective pages for confirmations on the other titles.
Geoffrey… Thanks for all that detail. I wish my memory were half as good!!! I need to get down there and take a look around. Last time I was there (many moons ago), I was so impressed with the ceiling and the proscenium arch and that the balcony was still there, I didn’t really take time to look closely at the alterations. What a shame there couldn’t have been more of an effort to preserve the interior while installing the courts, but I suppose the University could have just as easily gutted the entire space and installed a conventional gymnasium and all would have been lost.
So… I guess that means that whatever remains might be ripped out now that a new gymnasium has been built. I wonder if there are plans to somehow move the organ to the new facitlity of will it be sold off to restored theater in the mid-west?
I understand that Abbott and Costello are considered “low comedy” but, as stated above, they were pretty high box office and many of their earlier films could have topped some bills. I think “The Time of Their Lives” would have been a wonderful Music Hall feature. As for Martin and Lewis, they were box office champs for a few years, weren’t they?
Your point is taken, Ron… But then, look at the drivel the Hall booked in its later years. Certainly, films like “Paper Tiger” and “Mr. Billions” weren’t considered “prestige”… nor, I’m sure, were any of the live-action Disney films to play here.
I saw the very light French sex-farce called “The Gift,” which featured the very lovely Clio Goldsmith (the main reason this 17 year old took a solo trip into the city to see this flick), here in 1982. On the same day, I took in the movie “Frances” starring Jessica Lange on the east side (I’m thinking the 68th Street Playhouse or the Beekman, but I can’t recall). I remember planning the day out carefully so that I could hit three movies in Manhattan (movies my friends would ever agree to see) on the same day and had to travel by bus and subway between theaters. I forget the 3rd movie, but I seem to recall one of the 3rd Ave theaters near 59th street (Coronet, Baronet, Cinema 1 & 2) might have been involved.
That was a fun day. I miss those times!
I’m also looking for any information on a movie I saw in 1982 or so by the name of “Not a Love Story” at either this theater, the Festival, the 57th Street Playhouse, the Plaza or the Cinema III in the Plaza Hotel. It was a graphic documentary on the porno industry that was un-rated by the MPAA but would have definitely garnered an “X” rating itself. Strike a chord with anyone?
I’m not sure that I ever attended this theater, but I’m trying to track down if a movie named “Not a Love Story” played here around 1981? This was an un-rated (but definitely graphic) documentary about the porno industry that I definitely saw in one of the small mid-town theaters in the upper ‘50’s. I originally thought I saw this at either the Festival or 57th Street Playhouse but then I got to thinking it might have been here at the Plaza or maybe even the Paris Theater or the Cinema III in the Plaza Hotel.
Does the movie ring a bell with anyone? Anyone familiar with midtown bookings for the film?
I’m almost positive I saw “The Complete Beatles” here in 1983, but as I posted on the DGA Theater site (former 57th Street Playhouse), I get the two theaters confused in my memories. There was also a very graphic Canadian produced documentary on the porno industry entitled “Not a Love Story” that was released in 1981 or so that I remember seeing either here or at the 57th or maybe even the Plaza on 58th? (I’m now even thinking it may have been the Paris Theater or the Cinema III which was located below the Plaza Hotel). Can anyone verify the midtown bookings for this film?
Did this theater have a flat marquee almost flush with the facade? I seem to recall a blue banner with the theater’s name flying from a flagpole on the 2nd or 3rd floor above the entrance, but, again, I might be thinking of the 57th Street Playhouse.
In my memory, I always confuse this theater with the Festival Theater, further to the east on 57th Street. To add to the confusion, I’m not entirely sure that the Plaza on East 58th Street isn’t also entering into the fray! Anyway, between these three theaters I saw a gorgeously restored 35 mm print of Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” sometime in the mid-to-late ‘80’s, an interesting and very frank documentary on the adult film industry entitled “Not a Love Story” and the 1983 documentary “The Complete Beatles.” I’m almost positive that “The Complete Beatles” played at the Festival and that “Strangelove” was at the 57th Street Playhouse, but, as I said, my memories are a bit muddled.
Did this theater have a marquee projecting out over the sidewalk, or was it a flat marquee over the entrance similar to the Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx? I might be thinking of the Festival again, as I seem to recall that theater anounced its existence via a large blue banner that hung from a flagpole from the 2nd floor above the entrance.
Can anyone out there help me sort out these memories?
I disagree with that last statement, Ron… Why would A&C or M&L be inappropriate fare for the Hall? Both produced the sort of clean and family-freindly entertainments that were a hallmark of Radio City programming in it’s prime. And “Double Indemnity” is one of the all time great film classics, never mind it’s esteemed place within the film-noir genre. How could these possibly have been bad choices for the Hall during their original release? What would be your criteria for a good choice?
Saw “Stomp” here a couple of years back. This is a small, narrow little theater of mostly exposed brick, far as I can recall the interior. Both the orchestra and the tiny balcony have center aisles and the proscenium runs wall to wall. The rows of seat don’t hold many seats on either side of the aisle, maybe 10 to each side. The balcony is maybe 5 or 6 rows deep and is reached by an ordinary case of stairs on the right side of the theater as you walk in to the tiny “lobby area.” Any ornamentation or architectural detail appears to have been stripped. It’s hard to imagine this space held nearly 600 seats at any time. Perhaps the interior was gutted and the auditorium space reduced at some point? It has the feel of a theater that was cut right in half.
If you do make your way down to the Orpheum’s neihgborhood, there is a wonderful old church on the next block of 2nd Avenue to the south and a fantastic corner shop across the street called “Love Saves the Day” (or something) that buys and sells all sorts of old toys, magazines, models, games, lunch boxes, vintage used clothes and other artcles of ephemera. One can spend hours just browsing the shelves.
Thanks for that update, Warren. I’m guessing you weren’t able to take any photos… was this because you didn’t bring your camera or because they wouldn’t allow photographs?
And I’m glad you enjoyed the story, NativeForestHiller. My memory is often quite hazy, but I love sharing what I can recollect from my movie-going experiences.
R.H…. Any idea what the plans are for the Paramount auditorium? This might actually be an exciting bit of news, although I’m nervous that this could easily go the other way and spell a complete gutting of what’s left of the old theater.
This photo was originally posted on the Winter Garden Theater site, but I thought I’d link it from here as well since you can clearly see the monstrosity that would replace the Rivoli Theater rising on the right side of the image.
I also didn’t notice until now that the sign for the old Hawaii Kai night club was still in existence at the time of this photo, though I’m not sure if the club itself was still open. My Mom came to the house the other day and showed me an 8x10 souvenir photo from the Hawaii Kai that she had found in her box of old scraps. The photo is from the very early ‘60’s and shows Mom, Dad, my Grandparents and my Aunt & Uncle dressed to the nines for a night out on the town. Priceless.
I think “Mr. Billion” is the correct title.
By the way, there definitely seems to be a problem with disappearing posts and it isn’t just Lost Memory having issues. I created a listing for the Victory Theater in Bayside, NY and a post from Warren (in fact the only post on that page) has gone missing from the site: /theaters/13793/
Damn, Lost Memory! You’re #1 by a mile! I somehow figured Warren might be runner up. I didn’t even crack the first page (top 35)… but I am at least in the top 50 (#46 as of today), so I’ve something to strive towards.
Seriously, now that I’ve seen the list, I have to give many thanks to all the people who’ve made contributions to this site with their various listings, posts and comments. Kudos in particular to all the regulars (or should I say “the usual suspects”) and NYC experts who have given me such a wonderful education in all matters historical, architectural, technical and ephemeral on a topic that is so very near and dear to my heart. All the detective work to find interesting photos and historical data as well as the anecdotal information and personal recollections have brought so many of these great theaters so vividly to life – reviving memories of my own in some instances and painting beautiful evocations of places I never had a chance to experience first hand in others. This is a fantastic little cyber-community we’ve got going on and I am very thankful to be a part of it. We should all treasure it.
Thanks again.
Now, its just the site for the construction of yet another ugly mid-town high-rise. I’ve been into Manhattan on a number of occasions over the past few weeks and I pass this site every time I make my way back to the 59th Street Bridge. I remember driving by in years past and happily think back on my experience seeing “Animal Crackers” here back in the ‘70’s warmed by the fact that the theater was still in use – even after accepting the fact that it was twinned back in the late 1980’s. Now, I still think back on “Animal Crackers” when I drive by, but it is with a deep sense of loss and sadness. It is amazing that the City (meaning we the people as well as those we elect to oversee its administration) allows the continuation of these acts of vandalism – to paraphrase Ada Huxtable’s memorable description in the NY Times of old Penn Station’s demolition.
So… I wonder what ActorGuy ever decided to do with those documents he had fished out of the dumpster… Did he ever contact you, Warren? Or Jim?
Thanks, Warren. I should have read your introduction a bit more carefully before I posted that comment. Re-reading it now, it seems quite clear.
Warren… have you ever researched the Harem for its own page on this site? Or is it not an interesting enough topic? I’m guessing it was carved out of retail space and probably has a fairly unremarkable history. I’m still curious to learn its origins and I’m not sure I’d know where to begin looking without as much as an address.
How do you track the # of comments you have on this website? I don’t see where in my profile or anywhere else it shows how many comments I’ve posted overall. Only a list of theaters in which I’ve ever made comments. Lost… you really ought to try contacting the site to see what happened. Maybe they can fix it?
I would search the Public Library for back-issues of each local newspaper on microfilm. The central branches of the New York, Queens or Brooklyn Public Libraries should have comprehensive archives for each of these publications (the NY Times, Post, Daily News and Newsday). I believe you’d have to visit the actual building to peruse the archives, as I don’t think they’ve been made available online – although, you can start on the web to identify which branches would have the material you are seeking. This assumes you live or work in the area, MO… If not, there’s still a decent chance that your local library might carry back-isses of the NY Times in their archives. Cue Magazine (which merged into New York Magazine sometime in the ‘80’s) featured excellent city-wide movie listings, but probably wouldn’t help you much in terms of actual ads. Ditto Variety, which featured weekly grosses for most of the theaters in Manhattan (and other major markets).
Would that be “The Littlest Horse Theives,” Vincent? About the kids who steal the ponies when the owner decides to close the mine and sell them to make glue (or something like that)? Very dark for a Buena Vista release. Took place in England, didn’t it? Gosh… I haven’t thought about this movie in 30 years!
Excellent point well taken, Jim, however depressing a dose of reality it might be. The TV ads for LIU from the last couple of years contain a wonderful (albeit brief) shot taken from the floor looking straight up at a player attempting to dunk a shot in the basket against the background of that magnificent grilled ceiling. I’ll have to see if I can get in there with my camera one of these weekends. Are they still playing games there? I tried recently to get in one Saturday, but the gym was closed. The security guy told me that the team would be practicing that Monday and I might be able to get in, but of course I had to be at work.
Thanks JohnG for confirming that. That’s the one I was most confident about. Still searching here and on those other theater’s respective pages for confirmations on the other titles.
Geoffrey… Thanks for all that detail. I wish my memory were half as good!!! I need to get down there and take a look around. Last time I was there (many moons ago), I was so impressed with the ceiling and the proscenium arch and that the balcony was still there, I didn’t really take time to look closely at the alterations. What a shame there couldn’t have been more of an effort to preserve the interior while installing the courts, but I suppose the University could have just as easily gutted the entire space and installed a conventional gymnasium and all would have been lost.
So… I guess that means that whatever remains might be ripped out now that a new gymnasium has been built. I wonder if there are plans to somehow move the organ to the new facitlity of will it be sold off to restored theater in the mid-west?
I understand that Abbott and Costello are considered “low comedy” but, as stated above, they were pretty high box office and many of their earlier films could have topped some bills. I think “The Time of Their Lives” would have been a wonderful Music Hall feature. As for Martin and Lewis, they were box office champs for a few years, weren’t they?
Your point is taken, Ron… But then, look at the drivel the Hall booked in its later years. Certainly, films like “Paper Tiger” and “Mr. Billions” weren’t considered “prestige”… nor, I’m sure, were any of the live-action Disney films to play here.
Ahhh… Great. Thanks for clarifying that part of my memory. Now if I could untangle my confusion over where I saw those movies. I love this site!
I saw the very light French sex-farce called “The Gift,” which featured the very lovely Clio Goldsmith (the main reason this 17 year old took a solo trip into the city to see this flick), here in 1982. On the same day, I took in the movie “Frances” starring Jessica Lange on the east side (I’m thinking the 68th Street Playhouse or the Beekman, but I can’t recall). I remember planning the day out carefully so that I could hit three movies in Manhattan (movies my friends would ever agree to see) on the same day and had to travel by bus and subway between theaters. I forget the 3rd movie, but I seem to recall one of the 3rd Ave theaters near 59th street (Coronet, Baronet, Cinema 1 & 2) might have been involved.
That was a fun day. I miss those times!
I’m also looking for any information on a movie I saw in 1982 or so by the name of “Not a Love Story” at either this theater, the Festival, the 57th Street Playhouse, the Plaza or the Cinema III in the Plaza Hotel. It was a graphic documentary on the porno industry that was un-rated by the MPAA but would have definitely garnered an “X” rating itself. Strike a chord with anyone?
I’m not sure that I ever attended this theater, but I’m trying to track down if a movie named “Not a Love Story” played here around 1981? This was an un-rated (but definitely graphic) documentary about the porno industry that I definitely saw in one of the small mid-town theaters in the upper ‘50’s. I originally thought I saw this at either the Festival or 57th Street Playhouse but then I got to thinking it might have been here at the Plaza or maybe even the Paris Theater or the Cinema III in the Plaza Hotel.
Does the movie ring a bell with anyone? Anyone familiar with midtown bookings for the film?
I’m almost positive I saw “The Complete Beatles” here in 1983, but as I posted on the DGA Theater site (former 57th Street Playhouse), I get the two theaters confused in my memories. There was also a very graphic Canadian produced documentary on the porno industry entitled “Not a Love Story” that was released in 1981 or so that I remember seeing either here or at the 57th or maybe even the Plaza on 58th? (I’m now even thinking it may have been the Paris Theater or the Cinema III which was located below the Plaza Hotel). Can anyone verify the midtown bookings for this film?
Did this theater have a flat marquee almost flush with the facade? I seem to recall a blue banner with the theater’s name flying from a flagpole on the 2nd or 3rd floor above the entrance, but, again, I might be thinking of the 57th Street Playhouse.
In my memory, I always confuse this theater with the Festival Theater, further to the east on 57th Street. To add to the confusion, I’m not entirely sure that the Plaza on East 58th Street isn’t also entering into the fray! Anyway, between these three theaters I saw a gorgeously restored 35 mm print of Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” sometime in the mid-to-late ‘80’s, an interesting and very frank documentary on the adult film industry entitled “Not a Love Story” and the 1983 documentary “The Complete Beatles.” I’m almost positive that “The Complete Beatles” played at the Festival and that “Strangelove” was at the 57th Street Playhouse, but, as I said, my memories are a bit muddled.
Did this theater have a marquee projecting out over the sidewalk, or was it a flat marquee over the entrance similar to the Loew’s Paradise in the Bronx? I might be thinking of the Festival again, as I seem to recall that theater anounced its existence via a large blue banner that hung from a flagpole from the 2nd floor above the entrance.
Can anyone out there help me sort out these memories?
I disagree with that last statement, Ron… Why would A&C or M&L be inappropriate fare for the Hall? Both produced the sort of clean and family-freindly entertainments that were a hallmark of Radio City programming in it’s prime. And “Double Indemnity” is one of the all time great film classics, never mind it’s esteemed place within the film-noir genre. How could these possibly have been bad choices for the Hall during their original release? What would be your criteria for a good choice?
Saw “Stomp” here a couple of years back. This is a small, narrow little theater of mostly exposed brick, far as I can recall the interior. Both the orchestra and the tiny balcony have center aisles and the proscenium runs wall to wall. The rows of seat don’t hold many seats on either side of the aisle, maybe 10 to each side. The balcony is maybe 5 or 6 rows deep and is reached by an ordinary case of stairs on the right side of the theater as you walk in to the tiny “lobby area.” Any ornamentation or architectural detail appears to have been stripped. It’s hard to imagine this space held nearly 600 seats at any time. Perhaps the interior was gutted and the auditorium space reduced at some point? It has the feel of a theater that was cut right in half.
If you do make your way down to the Orpheum’s neihgborhood, there is a wonderful old church on the next block of 2nd Avenue to the south and a fantastic corner shop across the street called “Love Saves the Day” (or something) that buys and sells all sorts of old toys, magazines, models, games, lunch boxes, vintage used clothes and other artcles of ephemera. One can spend hours just browsing the shelves.
Oh, and by the way… shouldn’t this entry be updated to include the Queensboro Theater as a previous name? I’m surprised that wasn’t done a while back.
Thanks for that update, Warren. I’m guessing you weren’t able to take any photos… was this because you didn’t bring your camera or because they wouldn’t allow photographs?
And I’m glad you enjoyed the story, NativeForestHiller. My memory is often quite hazy, but I love sharing what I can recollect from my movie-going experiences.
R.H…. Any idea what the plans are for the Paramount auditorium? This might actually be an exciting bit of news, although I’m nervous that this could easily go the other way and spell a complete gutting of what’s left of the old theater.